While fluorescence provides a greater degree of multiplexing (3-4 markers) than brightfield scanning, it makes it far more difficult for a pathologist to see the tissue context of the fluorescence expression. What is needed is the tissue context of brightfield, and the resolving power of fluorescence. Flagship has launched a service called Bridge StainingTM that we combine with Multimodal Scanning to deliver these two modalities together. The process involves the use of immunofluorescence antibodies combined with a fluorescence compatible staining process with a dual whole slide scan in fluorescence and brightfield. We then align the slides using image registration techniques.
The possibilities are almost endless. Together with FACTS, we can multiplex up to 12 fluorescent antibodies across 4 aligned slides. Or we can demarcate an implanted biomaterial with fluorescence and look at the local biocompatibility response. Or clearly delineate arteries’ tunica intima. We anticipate a number of useful applications, there are times even with autofluorescence that certain tissues are more clearly seen, for example in feeding white pulp versus red pulp in spleen into a pattern recognition program.
Talk to us about your multimodal application today.
A spleen was scanned with DAPI under fluorescence, followed by a brightfield scan of hemotoxylin-like stain
An autofluorescent image highlights a renal artery, with a second scan of the same section under brightfield
